Ohio University Women’s Club celebrates 75th anniversary in Cleveland

Apr 24, 2014By Allison Evans

The Ohio University Women’s Club (OUWC) of Greater Cleveland enjoyed an event at the historic Silver Grille in Cleveland’s Higbee Building that celebrated 75 years of success and prosperity by awarding scholarships, reminiscing and planning for years to come.

More than 80 alumnae attended the luncheon and were welcomed with tables full of OHIO memorabilia and photos. Dawn Werry, director of external relations for the Ohio University Alumni Association (OUAA) spoke on behalf of Jennifer Neubauer, assistant vice president of alumni relations and executive director of the Alumni Association. OUAA Board members Cynthia Calhoun and Connie Lawson-Davis also were in attendance.

“We are here today, standing on the shoulders of great pioneers,” Werry said. “Do you think those women realized they were part of a pattern? What they’ve created is a pattern of women in leadership positions and in doing so, they have paved the way for our future. Women like those in the Cleveland Women’s Club, who have carved a path and helped us encourage our fellow women to gather together to be a part of something bigger than themselves,” Werry said in her opening remarks.

The OUWC of Greater Cleveland raised more than $400,000 in scholarship funds since its founding. This was celebrated by awarding many scholarships to current Ohio University students.

New officers officially began their terms. Key event organizer Amy Hollis, who received her bachelor of science in journalism in 1996, is now president of the OUWC Greater Cleveland Chapter with new vice president Valerie Hillow, who received her bachelor of science in journalism in 2003. The new board of officers is made up of 17 women, who all intend to strengthen the organization and lead it into the future.

“The Ohio University Women’s Club of Greater Cleveland celebration was a huge success,” Sarah Vaughn, assistant director of external relations for the OUAA said. “Alumnae from across the generations were able to come together for this occasion and share their experiences at Ohio University. The theme of the event was past, present and future. I am very excited to see what the OUWC accomplishes in the next 25 years.”